[wdwspider]

Not totally sure if this is under Disney, but it is Muppets (so to speak) and very interesting to Henson fans...

"Dark Crystal" Sequel In The Works
Posted: Sunday May 15th, 2005 2:37am
Source: Dark Horizons
Author: Garth Franklin



The Jim Henson Company will produce a feature film sequel to The Dark Crystal, the 1982 fantasy classic directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz with conceptual designer Brian Froud, which has remained a fan favorite with consistently strong worldwide home video and DVD sales. The announcement was made by the Company's co-CEOs Brian Henson and Lisa Henson. Odyssey Entertainment will represent the worldwide sales and distribution of the film, beginning immediately at the Cannes Film Festival.

The original screenplay by Annette Duffy and David Odell (the original Dark Crystal, The Muppet Show) is set many years after the events of the first movie. The Power of the Dark Crystal (working title), sees Jen and Kira (the original film's heroes) as King and Queen and guardians of the Crystal who fight to save their kingdom when the Crystal is once again split. Incorporating a hybrid of live action animatronic characters and CG animation, production is expected to commence in fall of 2005. Lisa Henson and Kristine Belson will produce with Brian Henson, Ralph Kamp and Louise Goodsill serving as Executive Producers.

"The Dark Crystal created its own world. We are now going to fully explore this universe through the sequel film, which will be followed up with an animated series as well as interactive games and other media," said Lisa Henson. "Knowing the franchise's worldwide appeal, we're thrilled to leverage Odyssey's expertise in family entertainment within the independent film-sales community."

Brian Henson said, "With The Jim Henson Company celebrating its 50th anniversary, The Power of the Dark Crystal is a wonderful tribute to our legacy of fantasy projects. The original film set a new standard for the genre and broke new ground in visual effects. We hope to honor its devoted fans with an exciting new chapter in this great adventure."

Ralph Kamp and Louise Goodsill said, "It's a real treat to be able to offer our distribution partners the opportunity to join forces with The Jim Henson Company as they re-imagine one of the best-loved jewels in their crown."

A Brief Synopsis of the Film... When Jen and Kira welcome a fiery and unexpected visitor to their castle they learn that the very existence of the U-mun people, who live in the searing heat of the centre of the earth, is threatened by the death of their sun. There is apparently only one thing powerful enough to heal the ailing star - a shard of the Crystal.

The Gelflings flatly refuse the request for a fragment and the desperate visitor takes matters into her own hands and steals one, making a hasty escape through tunnels deep in the bowels of the castle. So begins an adventure that will see love and goodness triumph over evil and re-introduce cinema-goers to a host of indelible characters including the mystic Ur-sol, Aughra the one-eyed seer, the evil Skeksis and their crab-like and violent Garthim foot soldiers.

[SplashMtnMan]

Cool...it's been awhile since I saw the first Dark Crystal, but I remember liking it. I will have to pull out the movie from my collection and watch it now!!!

[wdwspider]

I'd like to see a sequel to Labyrinth. That concept was ahead of it's time. Although the movie turned out quite well, just imagine what it could be like today.

I'm glad to hear that the Skeksis and Garthim will return in the Dark Crystal 2.

[SplashMtnMan]

Originally Posted by wdwspider2005

I'd like to see a sequel to Labyrinth.

I love Labyrinth, just watched it over the weekend with DS. I agree that with technology today it would be incredible, it was all ready considering.

[pumouse]

we just rented that movie a few months ago, I remember really liking it as a kid and my kids really liked it too.

[DarthTortoise]

Labyrinth and Dark Crystal!!! 2 of my favorite movies!!!

[Cavey]

DW loves Dark Crystal, but I'm dubious of a sequel.

[wdwspider]

Originally Posted by caver_jeffery

DW loves Dark Crystal, but I'm dubious of a sequel.

They mention a cartoon series and merchandising too!

[Robio]

I don't really get this. The Dark Crystal was not a successful movie in the slightest. That may have been partially due to bad marketing, but still to this day I don't hear a lot of people talking about how much they liked it. So making a sequel over 20 years later? I don't really get that. A sequel to Labyrinth I could see, but not the Dark Crystal.

[wdwspider]

Originally Posted by Robio

I don't really get this. The Dark Crystal was not a successful movie in the slightest. That may have been partially due to bad marketing, but still to this day I don't hear a lot of people talking about how much they liked it. So making a sequel over 20 years later? I don't really get that. A sequel to Labyrinth I could see, but not the Dark Crystal.

I agree that Dark Crystal would not be my first choice. Still it has a loyal following that has been proven with the DVD releases recently. Also, I think this is more of a new take where the first movie isn't really necessary to the story. I'm guessing they want to try again and get a new audience while satisfying the die hards. I am no die hard, but I am a fan of the movie. it was extremly unique and a clever use of muppets. Plus it is the 50th Ann of Henson's company. Since this was Jim's big dream movie, I guess it is to pay respect as well to his father's legacy.